purlJam

# The "Gothic Arch" Lacy Infinity Scarf

**Description:**
This intermediate-level infinity scarf balances airy lace with distinct texture. It utilises Front Post Trebles to create raised, architectural columns that frame delicate V-stitch shells. The result is a squishy yet breathable fabric, perfect for transitional weather. Worked flat and seamed to prevent twisting, allowing for an optional Möbius twist during assembly.

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate

**Measurements:**
*   **Width:** Approx. 24 cm
*   **Circumference:** Approx. 150 cm

**Materials:**
*   **Yarn:** Approx. 350–400 metres of Aran weight yarn (Suggested: Wool or Acrylic/Wool blend for stitch definition).
*   **Hook:** 5.5 mm (or size needed to obtain tension).
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape.

**Tension (Gauge):**
13 stitches and 7 rows = 10 x 10 cm in pattern stitch.
*It is crucial to swatch the pattern stitch, not just plain treble crochet, as post stitches affect the width.*

**Terminology & Abbreviations (UK English):**
*   **ch:** chain
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **sk:** skip
*   **dc:** double crochet (US sc)
*   **tr:** treble crochet (US dc)
*   **FPtr:** Front Post treble crochet (Work a tr inserting hook from front to back to front around the post of the indicated stitch).
*   **V-st:** (tr, ch 1, tr) in same st or sp.
*   **beg:** beginning
*   **prev:** previous
*   **RS/WS:** Right Side / Wrong Side

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### Pattern Instructions

**Notes:**
*   Chain 3 at the start of a row counts as the first treble crochet.
*   The pattern is worked flat in rows and seamed at the end.
*   **Stitch Multiple:** 8 + 4 (plus 2 for the foundation chain).

**Foundation:**
Ch 38.
*(Math: 4 repeats of 8 sts = 32, + 4 for symmetry = 36, + 2 turning ch = 38 chains)*

**Row 1 (Set Up):**
1 tr in 4th ch from hook, 1 tr in each ch to end. Turn.
`[Math: 3 skipped chs count as 1 tr + 35 tr = 36 sts total]`

**Row 2 (WS - Base for Texture):**
Ch 1 (does not count as st), 1 dc in first st. *Ch 3, sk 3 sts, 1 V-st in next st, ch 3, sk 3 sts, 1 dc in next st; rep from * to end (placing last dc in top of beg ch-3). Turn.
`[Math: 4 V-st repeats. Ends with 1 dc.]`

**Row 3 (RS - Texture Row):**
Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), *sk the ch-3 sp, 7 tr in the ch-1 sp of the V-st (Shell made), sk the ch-3 sp**, FPtr around the dc from Row 2; rep from * to end, ending last rep at **, 1 tr in last dc. Turn.
`[Math: 4 Shells + 3 internal FPtr + 2 edge tr = Pattern established]`

**Row 4 (WS - Reset):**
Ch 4 (counts as 1 tr + ch 1), *1 dc in centre tr of the 7-tr Shell, ch 3, V-st in the FPtr of prev row, ch 3; rep from * ending with 1 dc in centre of last Shell, ch 1, 1 tr in top of beg ch-3. Turn.
`[Math: Establishes spacing for next staggered row]`

**Row 5 (RS - Texture Stagger):**
Ch 3, 3 tr in first ch-1 sp (half shell), *sk ch-3 sp, FPtr around next dc, sk ch-3 sp, 7 tr in ch-1 sp of V-st; rep from * ending with FPtr around last dc, 4 tr in turning ch sp. Turn.
`[Math: 3 full shells + 2 half shells at edges]`

**Row 6 (WS - Return to Start):**
Ch 1, 1 dc in first st, *ch 3, V-st in next FPtr, ch 3, 1 dc in centre of Shell; rep from * ending last rep with 1 dc in top of beg ch-3. Turn.
`[Math: Resetting the grid to match Row 2 placement]`

**Repeat Rows 3–6** until work measures approx. 150 cm (or desired length), ending on a Row 6.
*Ensure your yarn usage allows enough remaining length for one final row and seaming (approx. 5 metres).*

**Final Row (Straightening Edge):**
Ch 3, *3 tr in ch-3 sp, 1 tr in ch-1 sp of V-st, 3 tr in ch-3 sp, 1 tr in dc; rep from * across, ending with 1 tr in last dc.
`[Math: Re-establishes the original 36 st count for easy seaming]`

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### Finishing

1.  **Fasten off**, leaving a long tail (approx. 40 cm) for sewing.
2.  **Blocking:** Lay the scarf flat. Wet block or steam block gently to open up the lace sections and define the straight edges. This is crucial for the pattern definition.
3.  **Assembly:**
    *   Lay the strip flat on a table.
    *   Bring the two short ends together.
    *   *Option A (Standard Infinity):* Ensure there are no twists in the fabric. Whipstitch or slip stitch the two ends together matching stitch for stitch (36 sts).
    *   *Option B (Möbius):* Give one end a half-twist (180 degrees) before joining. This creates a permanent twist that sits nicely on the chest.
4.  **Weave in ends** securely.